A fan who was critically injured after he fell from a 21-foot-high wall during a Major League Baseball game took his first steps this week but has “a long way to go” in his recovery.
Kavan Markwood slipped off a railing and tumbled onto the field at PNC Park in Pittsburgh during the seventh inning of the Pirates’ 4-3 win over the Chicago Cubs on April 30.
The wall in right field is 21-feet-tall in honor of Pirates legend Roberto Clemente, who wore No. 21.
Markwood, 20, was eventually transported off the field and taken to Allegheny General Hospital where he was listed in critical condition.
Jennifer Phillips, the organizer of a GoFundMe page, said in an update posted Monday that seeing Markwood up and moving “was a huge win and definitely lifted everyone’s spirits.”
“He still has a long way to go — he’s dealing with a broken neck, clavicle, and back so there are plenty of obstacles ahead,” wrote Phillips, who was identified Markwood’s former teacher, wrote.
“But he’s showing real strength, and we’re staying hopeful for a smooth recovery. This will also require plenty of rest and following instructions from the great doctors, nurses and staff at the hospital.”
As of Monday night, the GoFundMe had raised nearly $43,000, about 88% towards its initial goal of $45,000.
Pittsburgh police said the incident is being treated as accidental in nature.
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